Indonesian WWF gets local head
Indonesian WWF gets local head
JAKARTA (JP): The World Wide Fund for Nature, true to its own objective of promoting local-based activities, has appointed an Indonesian to head its Indonesian Program.
Agus Purnomo, who has experience in leading various non- governmental organizations in the country, became the WWF- Indonesia Program representative and chief executive officer, replacing Russell H. Betts, starting last Wednesday.
Head of the WWF Indonesian Program Communication Department, Katarina Panji, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the leadership change is part of the WWF International programs.
"WWF International is always focusing on local-based activities, where local people are expected to lead and participate in WWF local-based organizations," Katarina said.
"The move will not prevent expatriates from taking part in the organizations' activities," she added.
She explained that Agus's appointment had been decided back in August, but because he was tied up with other organizations, he only assumed his post this month.
Agus's previous NGO experience include director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment and the Yayasan Pelangi, and more recently, he had been with the Rockefeller Foundation office in Indonesia.
In his new job, Agus will be assisted by Kim De Ridder, who was appointed WWF-Indonesian Program Managing Director in December.
Betts, in a statement announcing the move early this week, said the change fulfilled his personal and WWF International's commitment and effort of the last seven years to create a strong and viable WWF conservation program and presence in Indonesia under Indonesian leadership.
Betts said he would remain a senior advisor to the Indonesian program until the end of June to ensure a smooth transition.
He said his involvement since 1989 in bringing WWF-Indonesia Program to its current status and in Indonesia conservation has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of his professional life.
Betts said he hoped to found a new global environmental consulting firm in Geneva in July to assist WWF-International. (31)